I'm new to forums, so I don't really know how they work, but I'm having problems being 32 and finding faith just recently (6ish days ago), I was baptized Lutheran as a baby and my family were religious (snobby kind) and viewed me as unclean and worthless growing up which made me reject religion living more agnostic living however I wanted which led to a road of misery and alcoholism. While drunk I had this spiritual nudge to watch a video on the book of revelations laughing it off I watched it not thinking it's change my life, but it did and the more I learned of scriptures and the teachings the more this belief in me grew, but I'm having a problem with this transition and how to live by the teachings, but still having these reservations in the back of my head. Any advice would be grateful
In the beginning, we all approach God as sinners, dirty, in need of cleansing; ignorant and blind with many doubts and reservations, in need of correction, truth and knowledge of Christ. We hear/ read the Bible and begin to believe and God begins the process of sanctification. As He draws us to Himself, our spiritual eyes are opened and we are enlightened, we begin to believe. We become aware of our sins and once we are persuaded/ convinced, we ask for His forgiveness and cleansing and are wiilling to surrender our life to Him. It means you get off your throne as director and put Christ there and trust Him. These confusions, doubts and questions will all be addressed and answered in due time.
Faith is a gift, but it needs to be nourished with the Word to grow. We need to pray ( simply talk to God). Since He is your Director, you must not leave Him out of any part of your life. Ask for guidance daily in your job, your relationships, and decisions. Ask for wisdom and understanding as you read the Bible. The Holy Spirit separates you from your old ways. We must realize and render our old sinful ways, the lust of the flesh, the pride of life, DEAD. We do "/ instantly become Christ-like, which would be perfect. No, but we practice loving others and in time cooperate and obey Him. Once we mature, we begin to bear fruit:
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
God grows these areas in your life and it takes a long time.
After 34 years of being a Christian, I still lack in these areas to fully realize them. At times I do believe God uses me and I cooperate and do His will, but sometimes I behave badly, am selfish, impatient, am quick to anger and so His light and love that should flow through me, gets hindered.
And don't worry about your family who seem to point fingers at your sin. Just try to be humble and say yes, I am aware of my bad behavior and habits at times. Thanks for pointing them out, I am a work in progress. Thankfully I now believe that Jesus died for my sins, was buried and rose from the dead on the third day". That confession of your sins and belief in Christ should be enough for them to back off. Iron sharpens iron and so we do need a rebuke at times, but should receive it humbly. But know that some make it their purpose in life to point out other's sin - likely because they lack the fruit in themselves. They avoid the sins in their own lives and/or are legalistic. Lutherans aren't similar to Catholics in their "faith + works" soteriology.
